Getting To Know Rory Scannell

3rd July 2014 By Munster Rugby

Catching up with centre Rory Scannell, who has just entered Year Two of the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy, and is a younger brother of Development player Niall Scannell.

Having represented Presentation Brothers College at Schools level, the 20 year old now plays his club rugby with Dolphin RFC and after impressing at Sub-Academy level, he secured a place in the Munster Rugby Academy at the beginning of season ‘13/’14.

Rory’s list of honours include starting in all of Ireland U20s’ 6 Nations games in 2013, and featuring in every Ireland game of the Junior World Championship in France later that year. He has also represented Munster U20s, and previously played for Ireland U18 Schools with his Academy colleague Ryan Murphy in 2011 when they won the FIRA-AER European Championship.

The Dolphin man made his Munster senior debut against London Irish in Musgrave Park in the SEAT Series of August 2013, and went on to play for Munster A four times in last season’s British & Irish Cup. Showing his versatility, all four appearances were not in his preferred position of centre, instead making two appearances at full-back and a further two at out-half, scoring a try, three conversions and one penalty during the campaign.

Speaking after pre-season training yesterday, Rory told us how he feels he’s developed as a rugby player in his time at the Academy.

“The past year was a great experience, especially getting some game time with Munster A. It was up another level again from what I was used to in schools and club rugby and provided me with invaluable experience, helping me both physically and mentally in my game. As the season went on I got more and more comfortable playing at that level and hopefully now I can take what I’ve learnt and put it to good use in Year 2, where I want to kick on again.”

He went on to tell us his hopes for the coming year.

“This year I’d love to push on with Munster A and get more B&I Cup time under my belt, as well as more involvement with senior training, hopefully impressing coaches at all levels. The Senior lads are always very good to us Academy lads if we join them in training – helping us if we’re unsure of calls, etc.”

As mentioned already, Munster Rugby is a family affair for the Scannell clan.

“It’s also handy that my older brother Niall is now with the Senior team, so if I have a question about training, I can just ask him. That said we try not to talk about rugby too much when we are at home, and instead just try to chill out. It’s amazing what Academy lads can learn just from training with the Senior players and that helps us develop as players.”

When asked what part of his game he plans to focus on this year, Rory said,

“Kicking both from the hand and from the tee. It’s all about practice, practice, practice to get the required consistency.”

Name: Rory Scannell

Favourite Food: Steak

Book you are currently reading or have just finished: Eamon Dunphy’s autobiography

Favourite TV programme: Suits

Favourite Film: Happy Gilmore

Favourite Actor/Actress: Adam Sandler

Most enjoyable holiday location: Australia

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: My phone

Favourite sport other than rugby: Golf

The sport you least like: Cricket